War Debate: An Extraordinary Moment in U.S. History

The ongoing debate in the House of Representatives on a Democratic-sponsored resolution to cap U.S. troop levels in Iraq is an extraordinary moment in U.S. history.

First and foremost, it is the first real debate on a four-year-old war that has riven the U.S., diminished its standing in the world community and ended the Republican hegemony in Washington. The debate, which will conclude with a vote toward the end of the week, also is a slap in the face of the Senate, which last week fiddled away its obligation to act on a resolution in that chamber.

The non-binding resolution is short and to the point:

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Disapproving of the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq.

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That—

(1) Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq; and

(2) Congress disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq.

I am posting excerpts from the debate at Kiko’s House. Please click here to read them.

More on the debate here.

And an interesting story here on how some Republicans are trying to avoid the debate.